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Daulat Mahal and its very original graffiti, Idar

As you walk up the steps to the 'Daulat Mahal' (originally Idariyo Gadh, or Palace of Wealth in English), the ruins look anything but impressive. This was my second visit to this Palace in Idar, and I wasn't expecting much this time either. We were all tired and sweating profusely, but were nevertheless keen on visiting this prominent landmark in the town.

The palace ruins through the rocks

A beautiful yellow block on the second level

There is little history shared at the entrance and all I could figure out from the local 'pan shop' was that this was built by a Jain king who controlled a few thousand villages around Idar. Looking at the rather humble palace, one could say that he was rich but not extravagant; or maybe most of the glory is already lost. He married at least twice. When he got his new wife home, the older one was furious and left the king for good. He built her a small palace atop the highest hill close to his own Palace where she lived in company of a horse and another maid.

Tej flaunting his assets in air!

The gang (am missing)!

The palace is all but destroyed by both nature and man. No past glories remains within the palace, except a few impressive arches. However, something unintentional has happened over the years as men and women professed their love for each other on the walls, ceiling and floor of the palace. Every part of the palace is covered with these words, often black with a few colors thrown in sometimes. The fact that most of these talk about love makes them even more wonderful.

Tej with the full-on attitude!

Another friend in love!

Graffiti art

And some of these are actually very beautiful. Since there is little left to be seen in palace, it was a pleasure to acquaint oneself with various modes of wall art. Though most have used the walls for writing, a few are also engraved on the walls and floor.

Art on the floor

Graffiti art

Some art on the walls!

Any opinions on this bizarre art destroying an old palace? The new art is already a part of the experience of visiting the palace, but is it art at all? Should this be retained, if the palace is ever restored to its former glory?

Thanks Otieno! I never did a post on Udaipur though I have been to the city a few times in the past...but I will wait for my next visit till I write a post on it. I don't think I can do justice to the place without spending a few days roaming around in its streets...

If the structure is worth preserving, and by the looks of it, it is, then it's a pity it is not. If not worth preserving, I'd say the graffiti doesn't matter. While some graffiti is arguable well-done, it's always a tort, an offence to the property owner. Looks like you had a fun time here with your gang and you've posted some fun and good photos.

Its wonderful... I never been to such places in Gujarat and not even heard about it. You are a real explorer.

We must look after such places and its our responsibility to preserve them. I have just recently seen one video on TED explaining that how these old sculputres and forts share with us about their culture and ideas.

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I am an India based Designer, Blogger, Photographer and Travel writer. I enjoy travelling as much as sharing my stories and photographs from around the world with people to inspire them to make even more wonderful journeys themselves :)

I call myself 'The Wanderer' as I often love to just wander about in the places I visit - to meet new people, see new places and to just soak in new experiences. Often its the unexpectedness of the moment which makes it so memorable...